Mr. Forgetful Learns How to Write an Essay

How do you begin to write an introduction paragraph?  Step #1: Most essays begin with a general statement (generalization). This sentence typically acts as the topic sentence for the paragraph. Everything in that paragraph flows with the topic sentence…fits into the paragraph.

Step #2: Next, the supporting detail sentences are written to narrow the topic.  A thesis statement is similar to a topic sentence. It is a general statement that tells the reader what you will be writing about. thesis statementthesis statement  The introduction should also hook the reader. This means that the introduction should draw the reader in. It should make the reader want to read more of the essay. hook

What are Body Paragraphs?  The second part of the essay is called the body. In a five-paragraph essay, the body is made of 3 paragraphs. This is the main part of your essay.  Like the supporting detail sentences, these paragraphs provide the support to your introduction paragraph and to your thesis statement. They fill the essay with details and examples. support

What is the Conclusion Paragraph?  In this paragraph the writer should briefly restate what they have written in the four previous paragraphs. restate

Example of an Introduction Paragraph  Have you ever forgotten about a very important date such as a wedding or birthday? Well, unfortunately Mr. Forgetful has. Mr. Forgetful was one of those people who would forget about his birthday unless it was written down on his calendar, and he would forget his name unless he practiced saying it at least four times a day to himself. Mr. Forgetful was the type of guy who would forget about dinner with the governor, his first day of college, and even his own sister’s wedding day. (Thesis Statement)

Body Paragraph #1  One important date Mr. Forgetful forgot about was his supper with the governor. (Topic Sentence) The supper was at Mr. Forgetful’s house at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The governor ceremoniously arrived at Mr. Forgetful’s house hoping for a grand evening to help his political career. Forgetful answered the door wearing an old shirt, oily pants and some worn out sneakers. Mr. Forgetful told the governor that he was sorry and quickly changed his clothes. Then, to try to smooth things over with the governor, he took him out to eat at McDonald’s. The governor was not impressed. Mr. Forgetful could not believe how forgetful he was.

Body Paragraph #2  Another important date Mr. Forgetful forgot about was his first day of college. (Topic Sentence) He didn’t realize he forgot about going to school until his friend, Mr. Busy, asked him why he wasn’t in school. Mr. Forgetful told him that he didn’t know how he forgot, and he would never forget about school again. Because of his forgetfulness, Mr. Forgetful learned he would have to make up his class work after school or else he would not be able to continue in college.

Body Paragraph #3  The worst thing of all happened to Mr. Forgetful; he forgot his own sister’s wedding! (Topic Sentence) His sister called him just before the wedding was to begin, and she was furious! She couldn’t believe he could forget about her wedding. He didn’t know how he could have forgotten one of the most important things in his sister’s life. He hurried, and he dressed himself. He arrived four minutes late. His sister was still mad, but finally forgave him because he got there so quickly.

Conclusion  As you can see, Mr. Forgetful is very forgetful! He tries to write things down to remember them. Can you believe he forgot his dinner with the governor, his first day of college and his own sister’s wedding? Don’t you feel sorry for Mr. Forgetful? Maybe he should take a class on how to improve his memory. What do you think?

Look at the following thesis statements and decide if they are good statements. Can you explain why the thesis statement is good or not?  Poor Thesis Statement #1: "There is an attendance policy for composition courses at UCF." This simply states a fact, rather than a stance on an issue.  Poor Thesis Statement #2: "The attendance policy for composition courses at UCF is fantastic." This implies a stance towards an issue, but the word "fantastic" is not specific.  Better Thesis Statement: "The attendance policy for composition courses at UCF should be continued because it encourages student responsibility, discourages procrastination, and contributes to academic success." This statement takes a clear stance, with specific reasons. It also offers a plan of action: the policy should be continued. 

Topics for Five Paragraph Essay  How will advances in technology shape the 21st century? Will the new technology bring positive changes, negative changes, or both?  What changes do you expect in the next 100 years? Will life be better?  What do you plan to do after you earn your high school diploma? Go to college, trade school, etc.  Why did you return to school this year?